Warangal, also known as Orugallu, was the capital of the Kakatiya kingdom in the ancient times , who ruled the region from 12th to 14th century. Warangal is an important tourist center in Andhra Pradesh with fine architectural temples, beautiful lakes and parks. Travellers will find Warangal as a beautiful example of the finest forms of architecture of Kakatiya Empire in the ancient ruins of the city. There are many tourist attractions in Warangal that stand as display of the grandeur of Kakatiya kingdom in ancient times, including Warangal Fort. Other major religious places to visit in Warangal are Thousand Pillars temple and Bhadrakali temple.
Telugu is the language spoken by the majority in Warangal. Both traditional attire like Saree and Dhoti and modern dress styles are worn. The poets of this place include the ancient poets Potana and Palkuriki Somanna to present day poets/writers like Kaloji Narayana Rao.
Tourist Places- Warangal
Ekashila Temple
Another temple built by the Kakatiya kings is the ‘Ekashila Temple’ at Mogilicherla. It depicts rich culture and Heritage of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh. And was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1953 by the erstwhile Hyderabad Government due to its rich bio-diversity. Climbers are the unique features of the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, which are found in abundance across the length and breadth of this natural park. The area is full of steep and gentle slopes. Moreover, the sanctuary area has historical importance owing to the presence of tree fossils in the Sarvai area and caves.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary those rare ecoregions of the world that has various emergent species of deciduous elements.It is spread at a distance of 806 sq.km in Warangal district It is a narrow strip of forest formation alongside the southern coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. About ¾ of the entire land can be is characterized by undulating plain land surface while the remaining is hilly with a plethora of streams and springs.
The sanctuary is watered by the perennial river Dayyam Vagu. The river separates the sanctuary into two parts. The region has a thick cover of natural vegetation. The superfluity of water in the sanctuary accounts the presence of reptiles like the Mugger crocodiles and snakes like the Python, Cobra and Kraite.
The wildlife refuge is dense with deciduous teak woods, its associates like Thiruman, Maddi, Bamboo etc. Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is the homeland to many characteristic floristic elements typically dominated by thorny species such as Zyzyphus glabarrima, Dicrostachys cinerea, Randia dumetorum, and Carissa spinarum while other plant species include Bamboo, Pterocarpus, Anogeissus, and Buchanania.
A part of the sanctuary is home to the carnivorous animals many wild animals are conserved here like the tiger, panther, leopard, wolf jackals and sloth bears. Other animals like the black buck, chousingha, nilgai, sambar, wild dogs, spotted deer and the chinkara live in the forest cover of the region.
To see wildlife in its natural habitat, visit to this forest wildlife sanctuary is a must. Many numbers of tourists are attracted to this sanctuary and the number is growing day by day.
The climate of the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary region is usually hot round the year with an average rainfall of 800-1000 mm. Most of the precipitation occurs during the brief northeast monsoon between October and December. Maximum temperatures during the long dry season in summer soars upto a stifling 44° Celsius while winters in the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary are usually mild.
Best season to visit: From October to April
The Eturnagaram Sanctuary is also rich in fauna. The region falls in the tropical dry deciduous type of vegetation. The sanctuary is thus rich in the growth of teak, bamboo and other trees like madhuca and terminalia. The primary vegetation is of tropical dry deciduous type. The sanctuary abounds in many trees like teak that shoots to a height of 60 feet and above.
A visit to the Eturnagaram Sanctuary will give the visitors a glimpse of the wildlife of Andhra Pradesh. If you are a nature lover or have an adventurous streak, will enjoy visit here. Be sure to bring camera along in case you get lucky and spot a spotted Deer! The sanctuary has good connectivity from Warangal and Hyderabad.
It is located at a distance of 110 kms from Warangal.
250 Kms from Hyderabad.
Veyyi Stambhala Gudi
Kakatiya dynasty, that ruled Andhra region from 750 AD – 1325 AD – for 575 years, still lives in the ruins of the fort and almost intact temple.One of them The famous thousand pillars temple probably among the best of Indian temples, 4-km from Hanumakonda crossroad in Warangal district, A Pilgrimage Center, where people from all the faith come for meditation and obtaining peace.. The temple is the fine specimen and example of Kakatiya sculpture and architecture that flourished during the Kakatiya period. Unbelievable. This temple was built in 1163 AD and took 72 years to construct! It is one of the main attractions to the tourists visiting this place from various parts of India and abroad. The temple built by Rudradeva during 1162-63 AD,.. The temple built in the Chalukya style.
The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya, thus the temple complex is popularly known as “Thrikutalayam”. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill,. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish. It is notable for its richly carved pillars has multiple designs, 2 centimeters to about 30 centimeters, on the perimeter of circular pillar. They used designs of jewelry of the age. Chains, bangles, rings, crowns and the Kakatiya Dynasty’s symbol, Kalisam, can be seen one after another on each pillar. The design also had flowers finely carved. So fine, the sculptures carved gap between petals .
This pillars support the central ‘Natya Mandapam’ (dance floor) are large and made of multiple blocks of stone the reflection of which can be viewed from anywhere of the central complex and a mandapam, that contributes 400 of 1000 pillars, was dismantled by the Archeological Survey of India for reconstruction. Unlike pillars in other temples of India, pillars of the main temple, are tightly knit and form its walls and so don’t seem like there are 600 of them. An impressive rock cuts of elephants and Nandi. The Nandi figure carved out of a single ‘Black Basalt’ stone measuring six feet in height has exquisitely chiseled ornaments and garlands.
Unlike most temples in India that face east, 1000 pillar temple faces south. Because, the Kakatiyas, worshipers of Lord Shiva, wanted early morning sun rays to fall directly on Shiva Lingam. So, of the three shrines, Shiva’s shrine faces east and other shrines face south and west. On the fourth side is Nandi. Adding to the uniqueness, the Nandi in 1000 pillar temple looks east, unlike most Nandis in Indian temples that look west
There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The atmosphere is calm and serene with the sonorous ringing of the puja bells, gentle chirping of the birds and the soothing cool breeze.
On the verge of collapse, but even before the inevitable can happen, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has embarked on a mission to save it. The Kalyana Mandapam of the temple, which is lying in ruins, will be dismantled and reconstructed from the foundation level. “This is possible. We are working on it,’’ senior conservation assistant at the 1,000-pillar temple L D P Vittal
The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, 157-km away.
4-km from Hanumakonda crossroad in Warangal district is the Thousand Pillar Temple
Warangal Fort
The entire city is said to have been carved of a single stone giving it its original name of Orugallu. 'Oru' means one and 'Kallu' means stone. The city was also called Ekasila nagaram.
Warangal was the capital of the Hindu Shaivite Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to the 14th centuries.Warangal Fort is one of the architectural wonders of the bygone era. History of the fort dates back all the way to 13th century The fort Warangal is built with Geometric intricacies during the reign of Ganapathi Deva, in 1199 AD and was completed by his daughter Rani Rudramadevi in 1261 AD. The Warangal Fort displays a rare and exquisite Thorean Architectural style. There are Thoranan Arches and the pillars are spread across an area of about 19 kilometers between Hanamkonda and Warangal. Although most of the fort is in ruins today, but still Warangal fort is among the best attractions in Andhra Pradesh. The place is full of riches and resources from the past.
This fort has stood witness to many wars and revolts almost throughout its life as well the history associated with it. The remarkable feature about the main gateway comprises of the four gigantic pillars, which have been crafted out of a single rock. Warangal Fort, having three protective layers, suggests the standards of security that used to be employed to guard the inner precincts and center of power.
The fort has 45 towers and pillars spread over a radius of 19 km, and a temple of Mother Earth called 'Swayambhudevi Alayam' in the middle. The famous 'Ekasshila', a beautifully carved gateway located within the fort, symbolises the Kakatiya empire Warangal Fort was destroyed by one of the invaders who successfully penetrated the three layer protection of the fort. The outermost wall which has a circumference of few kilometers is a mud wall which is around 20 feet in height. The second wall is completely built of granite. Warangal Fort is also famous for some exquisite gateways that have become a symbol of Andhra Pradesh Tourism. This huge Sanchi type gateways at the entrance are fine specimens of South India style architecture. These huge gateways, carved intricately from top to bottom are called Kirti Toranas (The Gateways of Glory). It is 56 feet in height and 72 ft wide.
The wreckage comprises of intricate sculpturea, stone works, motifs and designs - depicting animals like lions and swans. The four large elaborately carved gateways, which can be still seen were the creation of the then architects, which they called as “Kirti Toranas”. The temples, sculptures, and pillars inside the fort spread over a radius of 19 kms between Hanamkonda and Warangal. The impregnable fort was popularly known as the seat of power. The largest of the temple that is in the center of the court was presumably under the construction and has been excavated .The fort premises are the ruins of temples that were demolished by the early Qutub Shahi rulers.
A legendary masterpiece known as Khush Mahal architectural splendor. Shittabh Khan constructed the Khush Mahal which was constructed in the year 1504-1514. located near by Warangal fort.
It has many possessions that are worth-seeing. In short and snappy terms, visit the fort and explore this standing testimony of its glorious past. The place is filled with the treasures from the past, one only has to keep an open eye to hit the jackpot.
Situated just 2 Km from the Warangal Railway Station, the fort is easily accessible from any part of the city.
Warangal is to the north east of Hyderabad, 150 kilometers from it. The two cities are linked by road and rail. Warangal Fort is in southern Warangal.
Jain Mandir
The 2,000-year-old Jain temple of Mahaveer is embellished with beautiful images of Thirthankaras and 5 ft high Jade image of Mahavira.
Sri Veeranarayana Temple:
The temple constructed in the Chalukyan style around 1104 was originally a Jain temple that was converted into a Vaishnava shrine.
Someshwara Temple
Someswara III the Kalyani Chalukya emperor is said to have constructed this temple featuring rare specimens of architecture and sculpture of the western Chalukyan period.
How to Reach
Air: There is an airstrip at Mamnoor on the south-eastern outskirts of Warangal. It was earlier used as a make shift air force base. The nearest international airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad located 160 km away from Warangal.
Rail: Warangal is well connected to many of the major cities of India by rail. It falls under the South Central Railway zone of the Indian Railways. Kazipet Junction Railway Station in Kazipet, about 13 km from Warangal, is a major railway junction on the Hyderabad-New Delhi-Chennai-Kolkata route. Warangal Railway Station in Warangal is a station located on the Hyderabad-New Delhi-Chennai-Kolkata route. Every day nearly 132 trains pass through this section apart from goods trains.
Road: National Highway 202 passes through Warangal and connects it with Hyderabad and Bhopalapatnam in Chhattisgarh.
No comments:
Post a Comment